Electric Guitars

[mscher]

Re: Electric Guitars

I'd suggest passing on the walmart junkers and the guitars with whammy bars, for reasons that other's have stated.

Don't buy an expensive guitar, as a new player will drop it, scratch it and if they do not want to continue to play, you have an expensive dust collector.

Check out a quality guitar store, for some every excellent trade in's. I purchased a good quality used Gibson Les Paul Custom copy for $100. My son has played it daily for a year and likes it just fine, even installing custom switches.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Electric Guitars

Wow are there ever a lot of neet things that you can hook up to an guitar. We were playing with some different effect foot pedals. Im starting to wonder if its going to be for him or me. Just so many to choose from.

One thing for shure ive got him wound right up wondering what im getting him. Just been giving him little hints with misleads.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Electric Guitars

Wow are there ever a lot of neet things that you can hook up to an guitar. We were playing with some different effect foot pedals. Im starting to wonder if its going to be for him or me. Just so many to choose from.

One thing for shure ive got him wound right up wondering what im getting him. Just been giving him little hints with misleads.

Yep there is alot of effects and add ons you can put on an electric guitar. You could make this a father son thing, and get yourself a guitar. That line 6 adapter I mentioned in my earlier post, you can add tons of stuff to the guitar port computer program, stuff to change the tone of the guitar, etc etc.

Just hope he doesn't catch on to what he's getting for x-mas. My 2 nieces main gift was done exposed because their father sent them to look for something in the closet that the unwrapped gift was in. So they had to make up something to tell the girls but I believe they can see past what they've been told. Kids are pretty smart.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Electric Guitars

He probably won't need a tremolo (whammy) right away. Staying in tune with a tremelo requires a good tremelo and a locking nut. It adds a little more complexity to tuning. I've always had one so I don't think much about it. For a beginner, it's safe to omit that feature unless the instructor thinks the student needs it. Tremolo or fixed both have their advantages.


S2170FB with ZR Tremolo and Locking Nut. It stays in tune. As a matter of fact, I've never owned a guitar with tremolo and locking nut that didn't stay in tune. But there are other disadvantages.

What's the point? Yeah when it's locked in it will stay in tune but you know no one starting out can or should have to deal with it.

When do you ever need a floyd rose? You don't it's only good for a couple noises and it ruins your sustain. (yeah I have one too)

NO instructor has EVER thought that a student NEEDED a tremolo!

Sorry but that question was what should buy a beginner not show off your guitar and it's noise maker that isn't even used in modern music.




If your looking for an amp look at the Line 6 practice amps they actually sound like an amp. ( most little amps don't )

 

[i386]

Re: Electric Guitars

What's the point? Yeah when it's locked in it will stay in tune but you know no one starting out can or should have to deal with it.

Locking NUT. Not locked tremolo. A tremolo locked down is just a fixed bridge (thought not a very good one). Once the nut is locked, you can use the fine tuners on the tremolo. Once my strings are broken in, it almost never needs tuning.

I already said he probably won't need it so not sure why you're correcting me.

Nope he probably won't need it. Yes there are disadvantages.

"Absolutely do not get him a guitar wit a tremolo style bridge (whammy), the most important thing is his ability to tune it and stay in tune."

My point was to say they will stay in tune when you have all the right stuff. I'd hate to know that someone thinks that guitars with tremolos wont' stay in tune because of your comments. It's simply not true.

BTW, I use mine for more subtle things than making noise as do a lot of folks.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Electric Guitars

Kids should learn on an acoustic first. The low action and light gage strings of an electric will make their left hand lazy....

But either acoustic or electric, there are some great guitars from Korea on the market for next to nothing. The Fender acoustic starter guitars are really nice instruments.

But, if decided on an electric:

I've been playing guitar for 30 years or so. I've owned some expensive guitars.

A few years ago I bought this unit made by line 6, called a guitarport ..it's an amp simulator thing for my computer.
...anyways...,
They had this deal on where for an extra $29 you could get the whole "starter pack" with a cheapie starter guitar made by OLP (Official Licensed Product).

So I thought hey, for $29, I would just get the starter pack and give the guitar away or something.

Well,.... I will not be giving it away any time soon!!.... it has become my primary and favorite guitar. It is the sweetest sounding electric I own.
The original single coil pickups have an unbelievable tone.

Dozens of people have asked me about the guitar ...wondering what it is...commenting on the tone....
of course 50% of tone is in the fingers, but anyone who plays it loves it...

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Electric Guitars

Interesting viewpoint on acoustics v. electrics as a learning guitar. I hadn't thought about that aspect of the issue, but I think you have a point. As I think about it, I guess I feel the same way about effects pedals.

I don't claim to be an accomplished guitar player, and actually don't play much any more, but I do think there are many people who lean too much on things that make them sound better than they really are. Acoustic guitars these days often include pickups, equalizers, etc., but when you are "plugged in," there's a certain honesty in what you create as you play. Simply put, the level of your skills, or lack thereof, become quickly apparent.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Electric Guitars

Locking NUT. Not locked tremolo. A tremolo locked down is just a fixed bridge (thought not a very good one). Once the nut is locked, you can use the fine tuners on the tremolo. Once my strings are broken in, it almost never needs tuning.

I already said he probably won't need it so not sure why you're correcting me.

Nope he probably won't need it. Yes there are disadvantages.

"Absolutely do not get him a guitar wit a tremolo style bridge (whammy), the most important thing is his ability to tune it and stay in tune."

My point was to say they will stay in tune when you have all the right stuff. I'd hate to know that someone thinks that guitars with tremolos wont' stay in tune because of your comments. It's simply not true.

BTW, I use mine for more subtle things than making noise as do a lot of folks.

WHAT????

Lock nut/ locked down tremolo? Are you thinking your making sense?

First is his ability to tune it and use the bridge, which includes breaking the strings in so it stays in tune and you don't have to unlock the locking nut due to the limited range of fine tuners (except cam operated Kahlers). Or as most refer to it locked in.

At what point did anybody mention screwing down a floating bridge to be locked I don't know and is really out there.

Yes my free floating floyd rose (up and down) once it's been worked in and locked in will stay in tune for quite awhile, but there is a reason why I also have a les paul because nothings better then just sticking a string on and playing.

Sorry but I stand by the statement that he should not buy one be it a good one or a piece of junk like someone was suggesting to buy a squier strat.

Life would have been a lot easier if I didn't start on a floating bridge and I fully recognize the fact that it is a bad idea for a first guitar.

Besides if you bought one your spending money on parts that you don't need instead of better wood or some grover tuners or some seymour duncan pickups.

Same as it's completely out there for someone else to say he should start on an acoustic. What? Does he listen to acoustic music? If not that makes zero sense. Good acoustics are no harder to play than an electric and if he's ever gonna play rock or heavy music it's a whole lot of learning useless stuff that doesn't translate.

If he's not gonna get into it he'll never learn it.

Always get a kick out of acoustic players trying to play through a amp at a volume loud enough to play with a drummer....nothing but noise and headaches.

 

[i386]

Re: Electric Guitars

I really don't want to explain this to you because I think if we were having a conversation instead of typing on this damn message board we'd be on the same page.


When I said locking nut I thought you misunderstood me to mean some sort of lock nut (think hardware/fastener) that would lock the tremolo. The "what's the point" part is what made me think that.

I understand now: "What's the point? Yeah when it's locked in it will stay in tune but you know no one starting out can or should have to deal with it."

The point IS a good tremolo with locking nut will all but eliminate the tuning problems. If you learn to keep your fine tuners half-way in/out before you lock it down you should be good to go until you change strings (barring switching to an alternate tuning).

Again...

I agree that having a tremolo is going to be a pita for a new player and he probably won't need it (I have said this in every post).

I just don't want the guy thinking the reason not to buy one is that they won't stay in tune. Or 3 years from now when the poor kid wants a guitar with a tremolo, dad thinks back to this post and says "you don't want that son because it won't stay in tune".

I'm done trashing this thread. If you want to discuss it further PM me.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Electric Guitars

My first guitar was a gibson epiphone (looked like a strat) with the "whammy" bar. I never had any trouble with tuning. My biggest problem was that I was no good at tuning by ear. I'd think it sounded in tune and then play something and it wouldn't sound right. The solution (FOR ME) was to get an electric tuner. You just play the note and the tuner tells you where you are at.

Not to be negative but if the kid isn't patient enough to tune the guitar which takes 2 minutes, he probably won't want to practice for very long either.

P.S. I think that the father/son getting a guitar at the same time is a great idea.

 

[QC]

Re: Electric Guitars

I just saw this thread . . .

I have been playing guitar and bass for around 35 years. Mostly acoustic, and with bass experience I have a pretty strong and stretched left hand . . . With that said, I think the electric will be an OK starter as he will either love it or ignore it. Probably a better chance for early love with the electric.

I have an awesome Guild D50 and a P-bass. Both are very good and I adjust the action myself and keep them properly intonated etc. I bought a cheapy Fender Squier strat for my middle son who ended up ignoring it. I have now started playing it a lot. I have a little Fender Frontman 25R. I have to say this thing is awesome. I can make it scream pretty good, the action is incredible, it has a tremolo bridge, but I have left the bar off and it pretty much stays in tune. The pick-up selector switch is getting a little flaky, but all of those pieces can be upgraded etc later. My only problem with this thing is that it says Squier on it. Other than that it is a decent Strat, especially for a beginner.

My .02 . . .

 

[kinggabbo]

Re: Electric Guitars

I am a longtime guitar player and have been teaching lessons for 6 years or so. One that I can recommend is the brand First Act. You used to could get them at Wal-mart. They're actually really good guitars. I would also recommend starting out on acoustic (kinda my personal preference though) and then moving to electric later. Also, squier strats are usually pretty good and can be had cheap.

 

[QC]

Re: Electric Guitars

I had not heard of a First Act so I just did some poking around eBay. Got a kicks out of this:

This is a great first act guitar I only bought it this summer. It is really good plays great and in my opinion one of the best first act acoustic guitars it is great too.
Its color is wood and is. It is in great condition and has a few scrathes the guitar is great too. I will miss this guitar and my electric but need the money too. It is a great guitar and ill miss it. The guitar is great for its kind (first act) like I said earlier to my opinion the best first act acoustic guitar.

I guess he likes it . . . Grrrrrrrreat!

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Electric Guitars

Have any of you had any experience with the brand name Nova ( i think its a cheaper Yamaha made by Yamaha) The other one we were looking at was Cort. The Nova i can get from sears for about $150 with amp. The Cort is about $250 with no amp. Im thinking the Cort is a better guitar but the Nova might be a better entry level one.

PS im 2 hours away from the nearest music shop and heading down next weekend.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Electric Guitars

There are certainly many ways to view this. My initial thought was that an electric would be good for a strter, just because they use lighter strings, which are closer to the fretboard. For a new player who has no caluses built up, and who has not yet developed finger dexterity, this can make life easier.

That said, there is logic in going with an acoustic that has halfway decent action. While the very beginning stages will be a little tougher, the player will build up hand strength probably a bit faster.

Ultimately, however, the point about maintaining interest is important. I took piano lessons as a kid and hated them. I eventually forced the issue by pretty much refusing to practice. The main reason why I wanted to quit is because my teacher was an old biddy who made me learn songs from her generation. I hated them, I hated her and I hated piano lessons. The end result was that I gave up on music for a number of years, until I took up the guitar.

As for the arguments about tremelos, etc., I am reminded of an old guitar player joke ....

"How many guitar players does it take to screw in a lightbulb? One, and he thinks he is better than everyone else."

 

[i386]

Re: Electric Guitars

I am a longtime guitar player and have been teaching lessons for 6 years or so. One that I can recommend is the brand First Act. You used to could get them at Wal-mart. They're actually really good guitars. I would also recommend starting out on acoustic (kinda my personal preference though) and then moving to electric later. Also, squier strats are usually pretty good and can be had cheap.

My nephew has one. You know, they're not half-bad for what you pay for them. It was even better after I tweaked it a little bit for him. The little amps they sell with or next to them are horrible though.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Electric Guitars

My nephew has one. You know, they're not half-bad for what you pay for them. It was even better after I tweaked it a little bit for him. The little amps they sell with or next to them are horrible though.

That's the brand I was trying to suggest in my first post in this thread. I couldn't even remember if walmart carried them anymore.

 

[i386]

Re: Electric Guitars

That's the brand I was trying to suggest in my first post in this thread. I couldn't even remember if walmart carried them anymore.

I'd still recommend something a little better, but compared to one of those Harmony guitars sold in the 80's they're a lot better. They're a pretty good value though I think.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Electric Guitars

I'm still saying check out the Dean and the ESP I mentioned earlier.

You can still get em from musician's friend in time and you'll save money.

I'm talking about getting a great deal on a nice guitar made by a companies that ARE THE BEST or at least high up in top 10.

Yes they are lower priced instruments but most of that is from using less expensive finishes (a pretty piece of laminate on top so the wood grain looks go is expensive and does nothing for the quality of sound or playability) and the fact that they were bought in a huge lot by musician's friend.

Not some dime store brand, even if it's the best First Act, Cort or Nova, it's still just the best cheap guitar from a company that only manufactures cheap guitars. Brands that are not even sold at music stores.

Free shipping, no tax.... Buy from a company with a great reputation that's selling you products from highly respected manufacturers.

 

[StuBone278]

Re: Electric Guitars

I agree with Jay Merrill, make sure he learns music that is interesting to him, otherwise it will become a chore to play. I taught myself when I was around 12 on a junk acoustic around the house (which I now still play, hehe). As for an electric, the Squier's are not bad at all to begin with, just make sure the strings are nice. Strings that come stock on some Squiers that I've played were just horrible and sticky (probably due to the condition in which the guitar was kept) But I now see that Squier is producing some really nice little electric guitars for pretty cheap. I would definately recommend a Squier Strat as a beginner guitar, as the Telecaster's overall length is greater than that of the Strat, so it makes it a little more difficult to reach those low notes.

On the other hand, the only problem with starting with an acoustic, coming from personal experience when I started, is if you're little at the time it really is a pain in the butt to be able to reach around the big body of an acoustic guitar, and the edge just about makes your arm go numb from trying to reach around it and pick.



Oh yeah and order from Musician's Friend, they have a huge selection!